Download ORORA 10+ 20+ 40+ User Manual

Programmable Solar Charge Controller with Negative Ground
RO10+, RO20+, RO40+ User Manual English, Page 1
Dear Client,
Thank you very much for buying this ORORA product. With your new RO
controller you own a state-of-the art device which was developed according
to the latest available technical standards. It comes with a number of
outstanding features, such as:
 Multifunctional LC display
 Programmable Low Voltage Disconnect with new ALVD (Adaptive Low
Voltage Disconnect)
 Sophisticated programmable nightlight function
 Excess Energy Management (EEM) for better utilization of your solar
system
 Complete electronic protection
 Negative Grounding
This manual gives important recommendations for installing, using and
programming as well as remedies in case of problems with the controller.
Read it carefully in your own interest and mind the safety and usage recommendations at the end of this manual.
electromagnetic effects.
REMARK: Solar panels provide voltage as soon as exposed to sun light. Mind
the solar panel manufacturer’s recommendations in any case.
To avoid voltage at the load terminal, push the
6
button to shut off the load output. Connect the wires
leading to the loads with correct polarity. Mind the
recommended wire size:
RO10+: min 2.5 mm²
RO20+: min 4 mm²
RO40+: min 10 mm²





7
The charge controller protects the battery from being overcharged by the
solar array and from being deep discharged by the loads. The charging
characteristics include several stages which includes automatic adoption
to the ambient temperature.
The charge controller adjusts itself automatically to 12V or 24V system
voltage.
The pushbutton allows switching the load on and off manually.
The charge controller can be programmed for lighting applications.
The controller provides a control output for special loads that make use of
excess energy. Additionally, it has a serial interface which can be used
with an optional interface adapter(ROI).
The charge controller has a number of safety and display functions.
If you intend to use the Excess Energy Management output, follow these steps:
a. Mount the excess energy signal wires as
shown in the picture beside.
b. Connect the signal wires to the excess
energy management input of the appropriate load.
c. Reconnect the 4-pin terminal to the left
socket of your RO.
d. Set the interface function to “Serial
Interface EXCESS ENERGY & CURRENT
DATA” in Programming Menu 8
Close the terminal lid.
Mounting and Connecting the Charge Controller
The controller is intended for indoor use only. Protect it from direct sunlight
and place it in a dry environment. Never install it in humid rooms (like
bathrooms).
The controller measures the ambient temperature to adopt the charging
voltage, therefore it must be installed in the same room as the battery.
The controller warms up during operation. It shall be installed on a non
flammable surface only.
REMARK: Connect the controller by following the steps described below to
avoid installation faults.
Open the terminal lid.
Now you have successfully connected your RO
controller.
1
Grounding the Solar System
2
Special conditions are shown in the LC display if the Low Voltage Disconnect
function shuts off the load output or in case of various other error conditions. See section ERROR DESCRIPTION for details.
Acoustics Signals
The controller has an acoustic signal which indicates the change of the state
of charge. This function can be deactivated in Programming Menu 7.
Low Voltage Disconnect Function
Fasten the strain relieves.
Description of Functions

Load
Load
manually ON manually OFF
The controller has 5 different modes to protect the battery from being deep
discharged:
Mode 1
Disconnect at 11.4 V (at nominal load current) up to 11.9 V (at no
load current). Normal operation mode for good battery protection.
Mode 2
Disconnect at 11.0 V (at nominal load current) up to 11.75 V (at
no load current). Mode with lower disconnection point. Battery is
cycled deeper, this can shorten battery lifetime.
Mode 3
Disconnect at 11.0 V to 12.2 V depending on load current and
previous charging cycles. This adaptive mode leads to longer lifetime of the battery because it allows recovery of the battery by
full recharge. Maximum battery life.
Mode 4: Disconnect at 11.5 V fixed setting. Appropriate if bypass loads
draw current directly from battery.
Mode 5: Disconnect at 11.0 V fixed setting. Appropriate if bypass loads
draw current directly from battery. Mode with lower disconnection point. Battery is cycled deeper, this can shorten battery lifetime.
The controller is preset to Mode 1 from the factory. Use
Programming Menu 2 to change the setting (see back page).
In case of doubts which mode to choose, consult your dealer because this has
to be evaluated depending on the battery used.
Excess Energy Management Function (EEM)
The controller provides a built-in excess energy management function. This
function, in combination with especially designed loads, allows to make use
of excess energy which would be lost otherwise because of the overcharge
protection of the battery. A better utilization of the solar system is the
benefit. Also the battery treatment is improved because more energy comes
directly from the solar panel instead of the battery. Ask you dealer about
available loads that can make use of excess energy.
To connect your Excess Energy load with the controller, see picture 8 (signal
wires).
Nightlight Function
The RO controller comes with a sophisticated nightlight function. It controls
the load output at night and is widely programmable.
There are 2 modes available:
DUSK TO DAWN and EVENING/MORNING. The mode can be selected in
Programming Menu 3.
Remove the screws from the strain relief and take
off the strain relief bridges.
Light on
Dusk to Dawn
Light off
Light on
3
Mount the controller to the wall with
screws that fit to the wall material. Use
screws with 4 to 5 mm shaft and max. 9
mm head diameter, no counter sunk.
Mind that the screws have to carry also
the force applied by the wiring.
Mind also the minimum required distance
to floor and ceiling, this is necessary for
ventilation reasons.
Be aware that the negative terminals of the RO controller are connected
internally and therefore have the same electrical potential. If any grounding
is required, always do this on the negative wires.
>10cm
> 4!
Starting up the Controller
Self Test
As soon as the controller is supplied with power either from the battery or
the solar array, it starts a self test routine. This is indicated first by running
LCD bars for approx. 0.5 seconds, and then the firmware version is displayed
in coded symbols for about another second (this is for service purposes only).
Then the display changes to normal operation.
System Voltage
A DIN Rail mounting plate is available as
an accessory. This allows mounting the
controller on a standard 35mm DIN rail.
Use the screws supplied with the mounting plate to fix it to the controller.
>10cm
> 4!
Connect the wires leading to the battery with
correct polarity. To avoid any voltage on the wires,
first connect the controller, then the battery.
Mind the recommended wire length (min 30 cm to
max approx. 100 cm) and the wire size:
RO10+: min 2.5 mm²
RO20+: min 4 mm²
RO40+: min 10 mm²
Wrong polarity will cause a permanent warning
sound.
WARNING: If the battery is connected with reverse polarity, the load
terminals will also have the wrong polarity. Never connect loads during this
condition!
REMARK: The controller has a built-in voltage drop compensation which
automatically compensates battery wire voltage drops of up to 250 mV.
REMARK: Mind the recommendations of your battery manufacturer. We
strongly recommend connecting a fuse directly to the battery to protect
any short circuit at the battery wiring. The fuse must take the charge
controller nominal current:
RO10+: 15A, RO20+: 30A, RO40+: 50A
Connect the wires leading to the solar array with
5
correct polarity. To avoid any voltage on the wires,
first connect the controller, then the solar array.
Mind the recommended wire size:
RO10+: min 2.5 mm²
RO20+: min 4 mm²
RO40+: min 10 mm²
4
REMARK: place positive and negative wire close to each other to minimize
The controller adjusts itself automatically to 12V or 24V system voltage.
As soon as the voltage at the time of start-up exceeds 20.0V, the controller
implies a 24V system.
If the battery voltage is not within the normal operation range (approx. 12 to
15.5V or approx. 24 to 31V) at start-up, a status display according to the
section ERROR DESCRIPTION occurs.
Battery Type
The controller is preset to operate with lead acid batteries with liquid
electrolyte. If you intend to use a VRLA battery (GEL type) you can adjust
the controller in Programming Menu 1 (see back page). The equalization
charge is deactivated then. In case of any doubts consult your dealer.
Recommendations for Use




The regulator warms up during normal operation. If there is insufficient
ventilation (e.g. in an installation cabinet), the controller limits the solar
charge current to prevent overheating.
The regulator does not need any maintenance or service. Remove dust
with a dry tissue.
It is important that the battery gets fully charged frequently (at least
monthly). Otherwise the battery will be permanently damaged.
A battery can only be fully charged if not too much energy is drawn during
charging. Keep that in mind, especially if you install additional loads.
Display Functions
In normal operation mode the controller displays the state of charge (available energy) of the battery. Any change of the state of charge (SOC) to a
lower status is additionally signalled acoustically.
System conditions are displayed as follows:
>80%
60...80%
1x
2x
35...60%
3x
10...35%
5x
<10%
Flashes
Load Disconnect
25x
The percentage corresponds to the available energy until Low Voltage
Disconnect in relation to a fully charged battery.
As long as the solar array supplies enough voltage to charge the battery, this
is indicated by up-moving bars alternately to the state of charge display.
In normal operation the loads can be switched on and off by pushing the
button. This is indicated in the display:
Light off
Evening Timing
Number
of hours
or
Mid of night
time to
mid of night
?
Morning Timing
time after
mid of night
or
Number
of hours
?
If EVENING/MORNING is selected, Programming Menu 5 allows choosing the
MORNING timing behaviour, and Programming Menu 4 allows choosing the
EVENING timing behaviour.
Mind that the load output is switched off as soon as the battery has reached
the Low Voltage Disconnect threshold. The Low Voltage Disconnect has
priority above the nightlight function.
“Mid of night” is detected automatically as the middle between dusk and
dawn, no real time setting is required. It may take some days until the
controller has “learnt” midnight. This method can cause some inaccuracy but
avoids any clock readjustment. The controller’s “Mid of night” can be
different from the real time midnight depending on your location.
The controller recognizes day and night based on the solar array open circuit
voltage. In Programming Menu 6 this day/night threshold can be modified
according to the requirements of the local conditions and the solar array
used.
Threshold etting
s
range
7.7 / 15.4 V
Switching point day > night Switching point night > day
4.9 / 9.8V
(factory
setting)
1.0 / 2.0V
Curve of open-circuit voltage solar array
The two voltage levels before/ after the slash are valid for 12 V and 24 V
systems respectively.
To find the right value, we recommend measuring the solar array open
circuit voltage at the time when twilight has reached the level when the
controller should switch on/off. This value (the closest available) can then
be set according to the description in the programming section.
Programming Lock-out
By pushing the programming button for 8 sec in normal operation mode the
programming lock-out is activated to prevent any accidental settings change.
Another 8 sec push releases the lock-out.
Programmable Solar Charge Controller with Nightlight Function
RO10+, RO20+, RO40+ User Manual English, Page 2
Optional Functions
Interface and Datalogger (ROI and ROCOM)
The controller comes with a serial interface, which can be connected to a PC
with an optional interface adapter (ROI). In Programming Menu 8 (Serial
interface BIDIRECTIONAL, NO EXCESS ENERGY , is also default setting) the
behaviour of the serial interface can be modified.
WARNING: The combination of different errors may cause damage to the
controller. Always remove errors before continue connecting the controller!
Error condition
(1)
Display
External Temperature Sensor
Battery is low
Overcurrent /
Short circuit of
loads
Loads are not
supplied
Flashes
With the optional temperature sensor, RO can measure the battery temperature and adjust the charging voltage accordingly to extend the battery life
span.
You enter the programming mode with a long push (2s-8s) on the button.
The programming menu structure is described as below.
Menu 1: Battery type
In this menu, you can set 5 different LVD modes to protect the battery from
being deep discharged. Please see section DESCRIPTION OF FUNCTIONS for
details.
The default low voltage disconnect (LVD) setting is Mode 1 - Disconnect at
11.4 V (at nominal load current) up to 11.9 V (at no load current).
Menu 3: Nightlight function (type)
In this menu, you can set the type of nightlight function or switch off the
nightlight function of your RO controller.
The default setting of nightlight function type is OFF.
Menu 4: Nightlight function (evening settings)
When the nightlight function type is set to EVENING/MORNING mode, you can
set the load ON hours after sunset in this menu.
The default load ON hours after sunset is 0 hr.
Controller is
thermally
overloaded and
has disconnected
the loads.
Battery voltage
too high
(>15.5 / 31.0 V)
Programming your RO
In this menu, you can select the proper battery type - liquid electrolyte or
GEL (VRLA) according to your PV system to get better charge of your battery.
The default battery type is liquid electrolyte.
Menu 2: Low voltage disconnect
Reason
Battery is flat
after short time
Battery is not
being charged
during daytime
Battery wrong
polarity
No upmoving
bars
Permanent
sound
Controller limits
solar current
Flashes
Remedy
Load will reconnect
as soon as battery
is recharged.
Switch off all loads.
Remove short
circuit. Controller
will switch on load
automatically after
max 1 minute.
Check proper
ventilation of
controller.
After cooling down
the loads are
reconnected
automatically.
Check if other
sources overcharge
the battery. If not,
controller is
damaged.
Battery wires or
battery fuse
damaged,
battery has high
resistance
Check battery
wires, fuses and
battery.
Battery has low
capacity
Change battery
Solar array faulty
or wrong polarity
Check Solar array
and wiring
Battery is
connected with
reverse polarity
Controller is
thermally
overloaded
Solar array
exceeds nominal
current of
controller.
General Safety and Usage Recommendations
When the nightlight function type is set to EVENING/MORNING mode, you can
set the load ON hours before sunrise in this menu.
The default load ON hours before sunrise is 0 hr.
Menu 6: Day/Night threshold
Intended Use
The charge regulator is intended for use in photovoltaic systems with 12 V or
24 V nominal voltage. It shall be used with vented or sealed (VRLA) lead acid
batteries only.
Safety Recommendations
 Batteries store a large amount of energy. Never short circuit a battery
under all circumstances. We recommend connecting a fuse (slow acting
type, according to the nominal regulator current) directly to the battery
terminal.
 Batteries can produce flammable gases. Avoid making sparks, using fire or
any naked flame. Make sure that the battery room is ventilated.
 Avoid touching or short circuiting wires or terminals. Be aware that the
voltages on specific terminals or wires can be up to double the battery
voltage. Use isolated tools, stand on dry ground and keep your hands dry.
 Keep children away from batteries and the charge regulator.
 Please observe the safety recommendations of the battery manufacturer.
If in doubt, consult your dealer or installer.
You can turn ON/turn OFF the buzzer in this menu.
Menu 8: Settings of Excess Energy Management and datalogger
To use ROI or ROM1, the functions of RO interface should be properly set in
this menu.
Menu 9: Individual / factory settings
You can save your current menu setting or reset to default factory setting in
this menu.
Programming logout
When you exit programming menu, the controller displays the state of charge
(available energy) of the battery and the status of the load.
 Mind that once you have entered the programming menu you can exit it at
the last item only.
 We therefore recommend that you first note down your required settings
in the check boxes beside the menu structure and then do the programming in one go. This makes programming easier and avoids errors.
 All programming settings are stored in a non-volatile memory and remain
stored even if the controller was disconnected from the battery.
Safety Features
The controller is protected against wrong installation or use:
At the solar
At the battery
At the load
terminal
terminal
terminal
Battery connected
with correct
Unrestricted
Normal operation
Unrestricted
polarity
Battery connected
Unrestricted. Acoustic
with wrong
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Warning
polarity
Load output is
Yes, if only the
Yes, not at 24V battery is connected. protected, but
Reverse polarity
system voltage.
loads might be
Acoustic Warning
damaged.
Unrestricted.
CAUTION: Battery
Short circuit
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
must be protected by
fuse.
Controller limits
Controller switches
Overcurrent
-------------------current.
off load terminal.
Controller is
Controller switches
Thermal overload electronically
-------------------off load terminal.
protected.
No connection
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Reverse current
Unrestricted
--------------------------------------Varistor 56 V,
Controller switches
Overvoltage
Max. 40 V
2.3 J
off load terminal.
Normal operati- Controller switches Controller switches
Undervoltage
on
off load terminal.
off load terminal.
(2)
Long push
> 1 Second
(3)
Max. load current
Low voltage disconnect 11.5 V
Nightlight function OFF
Nightlight function
EVENING/MORNING
(4)
Nightlight function
EVENING OFF
Nightlight function
EVENING 1 HR
Nightlight function
EVENING 2 HRS
Nightlight function
EVENING 3 HRS
Nightlight function
EVENING 4 HRS
Nightlight function
EVENING 5 HRS
Nightlight function EVENING
TO 4 HRS before mid of night
Nightlight function EVENING
TO 3 HRS before mid of night
Nightlight function EVENING
TO 2 HRS before mid of night
Nightlight function EVENING
TO 1 HR before mid of night
Nightlight function EVENING
TO mid of night
(5)
Nightlight function
MORNING OFF
Nightlight function
MORNING 1 HR
Nightlight function
MORNING 2 HRS
Nightlight function
MORNING 3 HRS
Nightlight function
MORNING 4 HRS
Nightlight function
MORNING 5 HRS
Nightlight function MORNING
FROM 2 HRS after mid of night
Nightlight function MORNING
FROM 3 HRS after mid of night
Nightlight function MORNING
FROM 4 HRS after mid of night
Nightlight function MORNING
FROM 5 HRS after mid of night
Nightlight function MORNING
FROM 6 HRS after mid of night
(6)
Day/Night threshold
1.0 / 2.0 V Solar voltage
Day/Night threshold
1.6 / 3.1 Solar
V
voltage
Day/Night threshold
2.1 / 4.2 Solar
V
voltage
12 / 24 V, automatic recognition
14.4 / 28.8 V (25°C), 0.5-2h
14.8 / 29.6 V (25°C), 2 h
13.7 / 27.4 V (25°C)
11.0-12.2 / 22.0 -24.4 V depending on setting
12.8 / 25.6 V
-4 mV/cell*K
Day/Night threshold
2.7 / 5.4 Solar
V
voltage
Day/Night threshold
3.2 / 6.5 Solar
V
voltage
Day/Night threshold
3.8 / 7.6 Solar
V
voltage
Day/Night threshold
4.4 / 8.8 Solar
V
voltage
10 / 20 / 40 A according to model number @
25°C (without load current at 50°C)
10 / 20 / 40 A according to model number @
25°C (without solar current at 50°C)
89 x 90 x 38 mm (w x h x d)
CXN10, CXN20: 175 gr, CXN40: 186gr
16 mm² (AWG #6)
6 mA
-25 to + 50 °C
Dimensions
Weight
Max. wire size
Self consumption
Ambient temperature
range
Case protection
IP 22
Subject to change without notice. Version: 20071206
Made in one of the following countries: China – Germany
Arrid Australia
www.arrid.com.au
LVD current compensated /
adaptive 11.0 - 12.2 V
Nightlight function
DUSK TO DAWN
Technical Data
Nominal voltage
Absorption voltage
Equalization voltage
Float voltage
Load disconnect voltage
Load reconnect voltage
Temperature compensation
Max. solar panel current
Low voltage disconnect
current compensated 11.4 - 11.9 V
Low voltage disconnect 11.0 V
Liability Exclusion
The manufacturer shall not be liable for damages, especially on the battery,
caused by use other than as intended or as mentioned in this manual or if the
recommendations of the battery manufacturer are neglected. The manufacturer shall not be liable if there has been service or repair carried out by any
unauthorised person, unusual use, wrong installation, or bad system design.
Opening case voids warranty.
Battery type
GEL (VRLA)
Low voltage disconnect
current compensated 11.0 - 11.75 V
Short push
< 1 Second
Mount controller at
a location with
better ventilation
Menu 5: Nightlight function (morning settings)
In this menu, you can set the open circuit voltage of PV panel that the RO
controller should know it’s day or night.
The default day/night threshold is 4.9V for 12V PV system (9.8V for 24V PV
system).
Menu 7: Buzzer on/off
Load on/off
Remove reverse
polarity
Check solar array
current.
Setting
Factory Your
Battery type
liquid electrolyte
Error Description
Remote Display (ROM1)
The ROM1 remote display is designed to display panel current, load current
and battery voltage of your PV system and status values like charging,
overload, low voltage disconnect as symbols. Additional it can display several
values of RO’s datalogger of the past 7 days such as Ah, SOC, Battery voltage
(morning, evening). This provides you more detailed information of your PV
system.
See ROM1 manual for details.
In Programming Menu 8 (Serial interface BIDIRECTIONAL, NO EXCESS ENERGY
, is also default setting) the behaviour could modified.
State of ChargeMain Menu Display Menu Programming Menu (flashing)
Day/Night threshold
4.9 / 9.8 V Solarspannung
Day/Night threshold
5.5 / 11.0 Solar
V
voltage
Day/Night threshold
6.0 / 12.1 Solar
V
voltage
Day/Night threshold
6.6 / 13.2 Solar
V
voltage
Day/Night threshold
7.2 / 14.3 Solar
V
voltage
Day/Night threshold
7.7 / 15.4 Solar
V
voltage
(7)
Buzzer ON
Buzzer OFF
(8)
Serial interface EXCESS ENERGY
& CURRENT DATA
Serial interface EXCESS ENERGY
& DATALOGGER
Serial interface BIDIRECTIONAL,
NO EXCESS ENERGY
(9)
Keep individual settings Date of your
own settings:
Reset to factory preset